United drove away from The Broadfield Stadium on Tuesday with the disappointment of a 2-1 defeat against Crawley Town to ponder. After the match Doug Shulman spoke to Paul Carden who, despite being unsurprisingly dejected, spoke frankly regarding his thoughts on the game, the fans and the remainder of the season.

"Firstly, apologies to the fans who came in their numbers again to support us, and we haven't given them anything to go home and talk about. They'll no doubt just be wanting to get away from here and get home because we weren't good tonight. We didn't compete, and we were second best in every department."

Disappointing

On the game itself Carden said, "It was a shame because we didn't start too brightly, but we got an equaliser and getting back into the game was a bonus on the back of not playing particularly well. You look at the two goals we conceded too - we're normally mean but we've let in two sloppy ones which is disappointing.

"But it's not the end of the world. I know we've been beaten and it's the second game we've lost recently to a side who are in the bottom half of the table and not particularly playing for anything, which is also disappointing, but we've got another game coming up and there is nothing we can do about tonight, so we'll put it right on Saturday. "

Stuck by the Team

Carden was also philosophical when asked about United missing another opportunity to move to within seven point of leaders Aldershot, focusing instead on the weeks ahead.

"There is no point people saying we need to win this many or that many games, all we can do is go out and win on Saturday. We can't focus too much on what we did and didn't do, the fans know what we can do. They are the people who have stuck by the team, long before I was here, and they have been absolutely unbelievable since I have come to the club.

"They were there singing right till the end, and they will know we are a much better side than we have shown of late. We know they will keep backing us and the club through thick and thin, and they know we will bounce back and march on. I will say again, all we can do is win on Saturday; there is no point dwelling too much on what has happened tonight, we've just got to put it right."

Tough Side

United fans will hopefully see the side pull though this spell, and discover that the sign of a good side is one that can recover, a sentiment Carden agreed with in looking forward to Saturday's clash with Weymouth, whilst also reserving more praise for the Amber Nation.

"They are a tough side and will be well organised under John Hollins, especially with Alan Lewer there too, but we know that on our day if we show up and we perform, we can beat anyone. The fans will hopefully know that too, because I feel when we have not been at our best they have been our twelfth man, and they definitely lift you as a player when they constantly clap and cheer.

"It was a really good turnout tonight; you go over and applaud at the end of the game and are almost embarrassed at the performance we've produced - you just want to go in the changing room and hang your head. However you can't, you have to acknowledge them because they are paying good money to come here, have taken time off work, and it's a long way - even longer when we produce a performance like that.

"Hopefully, though, there won't be any more performances like that between now and the end of the season, and we can go on and get that Play-off spot and get back into the League."

Talented Youngsters

Reflecting back on United's missed chances and Lee Boylan's shot that hit the woodwork late on, Carden mused, "They were more scuffed shots and unlucky deflections than anything else really. We didn't pass the ball well, especially as we have people here like Rob Wolleaston, Mark Beesley and Courtney Pitt who collectively we didn't get on the ball enough tonight. They can open teams up, and as a team we haven't passed well enough, and not put enough decent crosses in to the box.

"Nevertheless, the young lads, Jack, Jordan and Robbie, came on near the end and did well, and the Gaffer said that in the dressing room after the game. They came on and showed one or two of the experienced players a thing or two, and it's good to know that there are talented youngsters at the club."

Concluding positively Carden quipped, "We've got to pick our heads up, roll our sleeves up and prepare ourselves for another battle on Saturday."

Interview by Doug Shulman

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